MIUI 9: the new advanced features compared with MIUI 8

The Chinese version of MIUI 9 has already been rolling out since August this year. Now, after months of Beta testing, the Global version of the new user interface is now available for a number of devices. What's improvements with the new UI and how does it differ from MIUI 8? We take a closer look at all the key new features in this post.

First, let's remember that the MIUI 8 features some of the biggest updates to Xiaomi's user interface in several years. The previous OS introduced a number of visual and performance upgrades which are very practical to this day. This is why, at the first glance, you may not spot too many differences in the new MIUI 9 — they are more subtle than with the previous upgrade. However, they are there and they do bring a lot to the table. Let's see what they are and how they can make your Xiaomi phone experience even better.

MIUI 9: 9 key changes and improvements

Performance improvements

Some of the major improvements have been made on the performance side. First, a lot of users have noticed a significant improvement in speed and battery life. Specifically, thanks to the better memory management and resource allocation, apps load faster and you can run more operations at once.

Exclusive themes & sticker packs

Some upgrades will be noticeable instantly — the design of the new UI has been changed to offer more customization options. First you will have more choice when it comes to themes: the new Limitless theme will be set as the default, but you will be able to browse through more options and pick the one to your liking from the new set. Plus, the MIUI 9 comes with a new set of sticker packs and you will have 21 new icon animations at your disposal — so you will be able give your phone a totally new custom-made look.

Split screen multitasking

Working with apps, and especially, with multiple apps has also been made easier. First, the split screen feature (released earlier this year for the Mi Max 2) is now included in the MIUI 9. This means you can use two apps simultaneously side by side, which is a real gift for multitasking. So, feel free to chat with your friends as you watch your favorite Netflix show or play a game and have a YouTube video play in the background.

New notification panel

The new notification panel makes things better as well thanks to the new functionality: bundled notifications and quick replies.

More efficient Mi Drop

You will also be able to enjoy a more efficient Mi Drop — Xiaomi's file transfer app now has a new logo and its own spot on the home screen. Mi Drop is also available for all Android devices now — whether it's a Xiaomi phone or not.

Improved Image Editor

Xiaomi’s apps have not been left without attention either. First, there is the new and improved Image Editor, an addition to the Gallery app. With the new editor, you will be able to do more work on your photos, for instance, easily remove elements from the background: simply select the object you wish to disappear with your finger and hit the Erase button.

New Mi Video app

There is the new Video app, which lets you group videos from the same source into one folder — a very practical option to organize your media and seek out needed files no matter how far back they have been created. You can also load multilingual subtitles and work with a wide range of video formats: AVI, MP4, MOV, MKV, MPG, FLV, and more.

App shortcuts

With the MIUI 9, you also get more shortcuts to the frequently used apps and will be able to make customizations to what you see in your feed.

Calendar with cards for festivals

The calendar app has been updated as well: you can now see upcoming festivals, events, and holidays and subscribe to more updates.

All in all, the new UI comes with a generous number of subtle improvements, which, as we've mentioned earlier, may not reveal themselves at first sight. However, the changes you can feel instantly will be the faster speed and a significant improvement in battery life.

Which Xiaomi phones will be getting MIUI 9?

Now, you may be wondering why you have not received the new UI yet. Don't worry, most Xiaomi phones should be getting an update by December.

We are here to provide an answer to all of your questions (FAQ) and help you choose what you really need. Click, register and download firmwares, operating instructions, user guides and more. Follow what's new in Gearbest!